Toy



Feb. 24, 1931. w. T. THORP TOY Filed April 9, 1930 gmawg INVENTOR ATTORNEY Patented Feb. 24, 1931 UNETED STTES ear TOY

Application filed April 9, 1939. Serial No. 442,870.

This invention relates to toys and has as one of its objects to provide a toy embodying the factor of motion with the apparent absence of any propelling means, so that it will prove interesting and attractive to children.

Another object of the invention is to provide a toy embodying a wheel mounted at one end of a shank, which shank is weighted at its other end, together with means whereby rotary motion may be imparted to the wheel in such a manner as to cause it to rotate for a considerable period of time before it comes to rest, and which toy is adapted to have its said wheel disposed upon linear elementwhich may constitute an inclined cord or cable or inclined wire, so that the periphery of the wheel, which is grooved, will engage this element in a manner to cause the wheel to travel in an upward direction with out any visible means of propulsion.

This invention also consists in certain other features of constr ction and in the combination and arrangement of the several parts, to be hereinafter fully described illustrated in the accompanying drawing, and specifically pointed out in the appended claims, it being understood of course that minor changes may be made so long as they fall within the scope of the claims.

In describing my invention in detail, re erence will be had to the accompanying drawing, wherein like characters denote like or corresponding parts throughout the several views, and in which Figure 1 is a perspective View of the toy embodying the invention.

Figure 2 is a view in side elevation thereof, the view illustrating the manner in which the toy is to be supported upon the linear element and likewise illustrating the means for imparting rotary motion to the wheel of the toy.

Figure 3 is a vertical transverse sectional *iew through the toy.

Fi ure 4 is a view in elevation of the wheel and the mounting therefor.

Figure 5 is a detail side elevation of the wheel and its mounting.

The toy embodying the invention comprises a stem member which is indicated in general by the numeral 1 and which is prefera ly formed from a single length of wire which is. bent intermediate its ends to bring its strands together and twisted as indicated by the numeral 2, thestrands, at the upper end of the twisted portion being extended upwardly in opposite directions, as indicated by the numeral 3 and thence substant Ly vertically as indicated by the numeral stand one of the portions i is'bent at right an les to provide a spindle 5 and'preferably the upper end of the other member 4 is flattened as indicated by the numeral 6 and is formed with an opening '7 and the end of the spindle 5 is reduced in diameter and fitted through this opening and headed as indicated by the nu-' meral 8 so that the spindle 5 is supported'to extend between the upperends of the said members l.

The wheel of the toy is indicated by the numeral 9 and is arovided with a hub portion 10, whichat one side is so formed as to provide a drum 11. 'The wheel 9 is formed in its periphery with a circumferential U- shaped groove 12 and is therefore adapted to be supported for travel upon a cord or cable 13, although a flexible or a heavy wire may 7 be employed for the purpose or the periphery of the wheel may travel over a floor surface.

A weight 14- is suspended from an eye 15 provided at the lower end of the stem 1 and constitutes means for holding the periphery of the wheel in firm engagement withthe said element 13. i

Another flexible element 16 is adapted to be wound upon thedrum 11 without, however, having its end connected to the drum, and, in the use of the device the said flexible element 16 is wound upon the drum 11 and the element 13 is threaded through the yoke formed by the members 3 and 4 and a quickand steady pull is exertedupon the flexible element 16 so as to impart rapid rotary motion to the whecl9 and, as the end oi the flexible element 16 leaves the drum the periphery of the wheel 9 is lowered onto the element 13 and, as the wheel at this time is rapidly rotating, it will travel rapidly along the said element, even though the element 13 will be normally inclined so as to give the impression of aerial flight of the toy.

What I claim is 1. A toy of the class described comprising a weighted stem member, and a wheel rotatably mounted upon the upper end thereof and having a grooved periphery to engage a linear supporting element, the hub of the wheel having a drum portion laterally displaced with respect to the wheel, about which a flexible element maybe wound and then pulled, to be completely unwound and thereby impart rotary motion to the wheel to cause the same to travel along the linear supporting element when the wheel is disposed thereon.

2. A toy of the class described comprising a stem member having a yoke at one end thereof, and a spindle element extending between the side members of the yoke, a wheel rotatably mounted upon the spindle element and provided with a circumferential groove in its periphery to adapt it to travel along a linear element extended through the yoke,

5 a drum at one side of the wheel at the axis thereof upon which a flexible element may be wound, whereby complete unwinding of said element from the drum will impart rapid rotary motion to the wheel to cause the same so to travel along the linear element when the wheel is disposed thereon.

3. A toy of the class described comprising a stem member, a weight suspended from the lower end of the stem, and a wheel rotatably mounted upon the upper end of the stem and having a grooved periphery to engage a linear supporting element, the hub of the wheel having a drum portion about which a flexible element may be wound and then 1 pulled, to be completely unwound and thereby impart rotary motion to the wheel to cause the same to travel along the linear supporting element when the wheel is disposed upon said element.

4. A toy of the class described comprising a weighted stem member, a yoke at the upper end of the stem having a spindle portion ex tending between its arms, and a wheel r0.- tatably mounted upon the spindle portion,

and having a grooved periphery to engage a linear supporting element, the hub of the wheel having a drum portion about which a flexible element may be wound and then pulled, to be completely unwound and there- !35 by impart rotary motion to the wheel to cause the same to travel along the linear supporting element when the wheel is disposed upon said element.

In testimony whereof Iaffix my signature. 6c XVILLIAM T.v THORP. 

